Learn Artist Idioms in Context

Learn Artist Idioms in Context Here is a discussion of what makes an artist. The focus is on personality characteristics and youll find 15 new idioms defined below used in context in the story.  Try reading one time to understand the gist without using the idiom definitions. On your second reading, use the definitions to help you understand the text while learning new idioms. Finally, take the quiz after the reading to practice the idioms and expressions youve learned. The Artist What makes an artist an artist? Well, there probably isnt any easy answer to that question. However, there are some personality characteristics that many artists seem to have in common. First of all, artists come from all walks of life. They may have been born rich or poor, but they are all dedicated to realizing what only they can see in their minds eyes. Another common trait of artists is that they do things according to their own lights. In fact, for many of them, creating art is do or die. Of course, that also means that they are often perfectionists. Theyll lose themselves in a new creation and you might not see them for the next few weeks. Often, you might drop by to check up on how they are doing and youll discover that their apartment is anything but spick-and-span. Its no wonder because theyve sunk their teeth into their latest work and completely lost all track of time. Housework is certainly the last thing on their mind! Of course, this lifestyle often means that they can barely make ends meet. Jobs are few and far between and money comes in dribs and dabs. This is true even for up-and-coming superstars whose reputation is growing by leaps and bounds. Finally, artists see art as an end in itself. Its not about the money to them. Theyre different from normal people who mind their ps and qs. Artists challenge us with their vision. Theyd never slap something together that just looks pretty. Idiom and Expression Definitions do something according to your own lights do something your own way, follow your own inspiration rather than that of othersall walks of life from many different backgrounds, classes, etc.  an end in itself something done only for the pleasure of doing itbreak new ground create something new, innovatedo or die (used as an adjective) absolutely necessarydribs and dabs little by little, not happening continuously  in your minds eye in your imaginationby leaps and bounds grow or improve very quicklylose yourself in something become so involved that you dont notice anything elsemake ends meet earn enough money to live onmind your ps and qs be normal, not interfere with other peoplesink your teeth into something concentrate on doing a project seriously for a long timeslap something together create something without much care to detailspick-and-span extremely cleanup-and-coming soon to be famous, young talent becoming successful   Idiom and Expression Quiz Im afraid I cant follow your suggestion. I prefer to paint __________.Can you see that picture __________?Our son is very good at the piano. In fact, hes improving __________.Unfortunately, money is very tight at the moment. I dont have a steady job so the money is coming in __________.Id love to _________ my __________ a new project.Its important that your house is _________ if you want to sell it.Peter is an _________ musician. Hell soon be famous.I think this work of art ________. Its completely different from anything before.Please be quiet and __________. I dont want to be bothered.Students attending the academy come from __________. Youll find people from all over the world with different backgrounds.   Quiz Answers according to my own lightsin your minds eyeby leaps and boundsdribs and dabssink my teeth intospick-and-spanup-and-comingbreaks new groundmind your ps and qsall walks of life You can learn more idioms and expressions in context with these stories.